Chad Owens, PE is a building scientist, home builder, and engineer specializing in residential construction including all aspects of design, engineering, building science, sustainability and project management. As the Director of Operations for Design+Build at Envinity, Chad is responsible for overseeing the design, construction, and management teams in the Design+Build division. He works with employees at all levels to develop practices and procedures to increase efficiencies throughout the custom high-performance home design and construction process.Chad has previously owned and managed a successful custom home design+build firm. Responsibilities included architectural design and structural engineering; estimating, bidding, and contract preparation; employee, subcontractor, and vendor management; client coordination and relations; business startup, accounting payroll, and sales; and day-to-day business administration.Chad has been in the residential design and construction fields since 2005, when he started a 9-year employment at a custom design+build firm performing structural engineering and construction management for high-end custom residential homes. During that time he also engaged in engineering and building forensics for a high-volume residential tract builder. Chad earned a degree in Civil Engineering with Construction Management focus and a minor in Engineering Entrepreneurship from Penn State. During his years at Penn State, Chad served as President of the National Association of Home Builder Student Chapter and co-reintroduced the Residential Construction Management Competition to Penn State.Chad continues to volunteer as an industry advisor to Penn State students. Chad has been an instructor for the PHRC and co-developed PHRC’s Building Science workshop. He is a Certified Green Professional, Certified Graduate Builder, Certified Graduate Remodeler, and Certified Graduate Associate through the National Association of Home Builders.Chad's professional interests include building science, net-zero homes, Passive House construction, energy-efficiency, sustainability, and renewable energy. A career goal is to make energy-efficient and sustainable homes more affordable and available to more people through design processes, construction efficiency, trade education, and community awareness.